Selling your firearm checklist
This is a practical checklist for a compliant transfer. If anything feels unclear or high-risk, using a licensed dealer is the simplest way to ensure the transfer is correctly documented and legally compliant.
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1
Confirm the buyer is a Montana resident.
Private firearm sales in Montana are generally lawful between state residents. Do not proceed with a private transfer if the buyer resides in another state.
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2
Avoid transferring to a prohibited person.
Federal law prohibits transferring a firearm to someone you know or have reason to believe is prohibited from possessing one. If you are unsure about the buyer’s eligibility, do not proceed.
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3
Consider documenting the transaction.
While not required by Montana law, keeping a simple record of the date, buyer name and firearm details can help demonstrate a good-faith transfer.
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4
Use a licensed dealer for interstate or uncertain transfers.
If the buyer lives out of state or if you want an added layer of compliance, route the transfer through a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL).
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5
Consider selling directly to a licensed buyer.
Selling to a federally licensed buyer like WeBuyGuns.com simplifies compliance by handling documentation, shipping and federal transfer requirements.
Updated: February 14, 2026
State laws for selling a gun in Montana
Montana is generally considered a firearm-friendly state, and private sales between residents are lawful under state law. However, federal law still governs interstate transfers and prohibited persons.
If you are selling a firearm in Montana, understand that while state law allows flexibility, you remain responsible for avoiding illegal transfers. Use official resources below to confirm how the rules apply to your situation.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private transfers | NO (state requirement) | Montana does not require background checks for private sales between residents. Licensed dealers must conduct federal background checks. |
| Waiting period | NO (state requirement) | Montana does not impose a state waiting period for firearm transfers. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO (directly) | Federal law prohibits private interstate firearm transfers. These must go through a federally licensed dealer (FFL). |
| Minimum age | YES (federal baseline) | Federal minimum age requirements apply, and dealers enforce federal age restrictions. |
| Bill of sale required | NO | Montana does not require a bill of sale, but maintaining documentation is recommended. |
State law details
Understanding Montana firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding Montana firearm sale rules
Identification & documentation
Montana does not require formal documentation for private firearm sales between residents. However, verifying identity and residency can help reduce legal exposure.
- Confirm the buyer is a Montana resident
- Review a valid government-issued photo ID
- Consider documenting the date, buyer name and firearm details
- Mont. Code Ann. § 45-8-321 - Restrictions related to unlawful transactions involving weapons
Background checks & dealer transfers
Montana does not mandate background checks for private resident-to-resident transfers. However, federally licensed dealers (FFLs) must conduct background checks under federal law.
- Private sales between residents do not require a state background check
- FFLs must conduct federal background checks before transfer
- Interstate transfers must be processed through an FFL
- 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Federal law) - Federal prohibitions on interstate transfers and transfers to prohibited persons
Age & eligibility
Montana follows federal age and prohibited person standards. Sellers may not knowingly transfer firearms to individuals who are legally barred from possession.
- Federal minimum age rules apply (18 for long guns, 21 for handguns from dealers)
- Do not transfer to a prohibited person
- If eligibility is unclear, do not proceed with the sale
Waiting periods
Montana does not impose a state waiting period. If a transfer is conducted through an FFL, the firearm cannot be delivered until the federal background check is approved.
- No Montana-specific waiting period
- Dealer transfers depend on background check approval
- Delays can occur if a background check is placed on hold
Prohibited persons
Federal law strictly prohibits transferring firearms to certain individuals, including convicted felons and those subject to qualifying restraining orders. Sellers who knowingly transfer to a prohibited person face serious penalties.
- Knowingly transferring to a prohibited person is a federal crime
- Interstate transfers must go through an FFL
- When in doubt, use a licensed dealer or licensed buyer
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(d) - Unlawful transfer of firearms to prohibited persons
Keep your Montana sale compliant
Montana allows private firearm sales, but federal law still prohibits interstate transfers and sales to prohibited persons. If you are unsure about eligibility or documentation, using a licensed buyer removes the guesswork and reduces risk.
We’ve purchased dozens of firearms from Montana sellers through a fully licensed process that ensures federal compliance and handles secure, documented transfers.
Montana residents must follow federal laws for private transactions
ATF guidance and prohibited person requirements
Federal law requires that the buyer of a firearm must be legally eligible to own a gun.
Local ordinances, city rules and county policies
Montana has broad statewide preemption over firearm regulation, meaning cities and counties generally cannot create their own transfer rules. Most firearm sale and transfer requirements are set at the state and federal level. However, local governments can still regulate certain logistical issues that may affect how and where a sale occurs.
- State preemption of transfer laws: Montana law limits the ability of municipalities to regulate the sale, purchase or transfer of firearms. This means local governments generally cannot create separate background check or transfer requirements.
- Local discharge and public property rules: Cities and counties may regulate firearm discharge within city limits and impose restrictions in specific public buildings or government facilities. These rules do not change transfer legality but may affect meeting locations.
- Dealer zoning and business regulations: Local zoning laws can affect where federally licensed dealers operate. If you choose to use an FFL for a transfer, availability may depend on local business rules and operating hours.
In Montana, local governments rarely change whether a firearm can be sold. The primary legal considerations are state and federal law. Still, be mindful of local facility rules and discharge ordinances when arranging an in-person transfer.